Entertaining the Gods and Man: Japanese Dolls and the Theater
October 2 – January 27, 2013
For most of us the word doll connotes a child’s plaything or precious collectable, but in Japan, ningyō, meaning “human shaped,” are doll-like forms that serve many different purposes, from talismanic and ritual functions to starring in theatrical dioramas and public performances. While the hina-ningyō associated with the Girl’s Day display and the intensely martial forms associated with the Boy’s Day festival have become familiar to those with at least a passing interest in Japanese culture, few have had the opportunity to be exposed to the rich traditions surrounding ningyō and the theater. Ningyō, both entertaining in and of themselves and commemorative of various theatrical traditions, have been a part of Japanese culture for many centuries. This exhibition presents over 60 visually stunning and powerfully engaging ningyō exemplifying this little-explored and undiscovered world of Japanese art.
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In order to better understand and appreciate this exhibit, our curator recommends:
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